Parking Facility Management Industry Trends

Increasing Automation

Technology has changed the parking facility management industry. While several operators in Europe have fully automated garages, US operators have lagged in applying this technology. Increased automation is being driven by the focus on higher margins. Parking facility operators are trying to balance automation and increased margins with customer service.

Focus on Quality

The parking facility management industry has evolved from simply managing the number of parking spaces in garages and lots to focusing on the quality of the parking experience. Of equal importance to quantity of spaces are qualitative factors, such as the ease of finding a parking space, the convenience and safety of getting from that space to the destination, and the attractiveness and security of the facility itself. Companies examine such issues as pedestrian accessibility and safety, stormwater costs, and parking overflow in designing new parking facilities.

Increased Environmental Initiatives

Parking facility management companies are realizing both financial and environmental benefits from launching "green" programs. Companies have changed lighting from florescent to light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, which last longer and use less electricity. Some garages offer special parking spaces for high-occupancy vehicles and preferred spaces for vehicles using alternative fuels. Reducing the size of parking spaces, using alternative pavers other than asphalt, and using bioretention areas to treat runoff are techniques companies use to reduce stormwater runoff.

Influx of New Large Property Owners

Commercial property management has seen an increase in the number of national property managers and new owners. New owners are less likely to have parking facility management experience and are more likely to be financial managers and technologists. These new owners look at parking management as an important service in real estate management. New owners are more likely to push for technological innovation sooner, demanding networks that can interface with accounting reporting functions.

Wireless Parking Services

Some new companies are using the Internet and cell phones to help motorists find parking spaces. After registering on the Internet, consumers call an 800 number and give their destination, are given locations with available spaces, and can then make a reservation. Users pay a registration and per use charge for the service.